Draft Day (9/2/2014)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and sexual references.

Starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Frank Langella, Denis Leary, Terry Crews and Tom Welling

Directed by Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Stripes)

A football movie without the football? Doesn’t matter, Draft Day is a winner.

On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) has the opportunity to save football in Cleveland when he trades for the number one pick. He must quickly decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection as the lines between his personal and professional life become blurred on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL.

As the title suggests, this film takes place around the annual NFL Draft. As a fan of professional football, I’ve watched the actual 3-day event and all the “expert analysis” that come with it. As I watched this movie, I kept asking myself, “I wonder if that is what it’s really like in the team war rooms?” And because the film was made with the full cooperation of the NFL — complete with cameos by commissioner Roger Goodell and others — they were allowed the use of actual team names and logos. In other words, there are no fictional teams like the Santa Fe Sheriffs or the Sacramento Sharks.

The focus is on Cleveland, (and as a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, this was the touch to swallow) where the Browns look to “make a splash” in the draft to help turn around the organization. There are a lot of back room meetings and intense phone calls where deals are being made and futures are being gambled. I thought it played true to form.

Meanwhile, there is the family drama storyline. Sonny (59) is in a relationship with Jennifer Garner (42), the team accountant. Insert eye roll here. Most of what happens between them is predictable and quiet frankly there so that the film will appeal to a wider audience.

Director Ivan Reitman keeps the pace moving and employs a pretty cool split-screen visual effect that captures the high-stakes urgency of the offers, trades and deals.

Costner is back to acting like the mega star he was of the 90’s and is a big reason the film is so engaging. The supporting cast is strong and provides some very memorable scenes.

With the NFL season upon us, I highly recommend this film, it’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are a couple sexual references and a woman is seen in a man’s shower ( – sex is implied.

There is no violence.

As far as profanity, there is one use of the F-word and several mild profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What is Sonny’s main job in the film?


2. How would you describe the intensity involved in making those decisions?


3. What are some tough decisions you have had to make?


4. What are some things you do when making a difficult decision?

Read James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.


5. What are some areas in your life that you need to ask God for wisdom?